Housework
'haʊswɜːrk
Definitions
The work, such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry, that is done to keep a house clean and in good condition.
'haʊswɜːrk
Chores done to maintain a home
She spends a lot of time on housework.
💡 Simply: Housework is like the jobs you do around your house to keep it tidy and working well. Think of sweeping the floor, washing dishes, or making your bed.
👶 For kids: Housework is all the stuff you do to help keep your house clean and tidy, like putting away toys or helping with the dishes!
More Examples
I try to do my share of the housework.
The kids are expected to help with the housework.
How It's Used
"Families often divide the housework to share the workload."
"The division of housework can reflect gender roles within a household."
Idioms & expressions
do the housework
To perform the chores involved in maintaining a household.
"She usually does the housework on Saturdays."
share the housework
To divide and perform the chores involved in maintaining a household with others.
"We believe in sharing the housework equally in our family."
From "house" + "work". The term likely evolved to specifically denote domestic chores as societal roles differentiated.
The term has been used since the early 20th century, evolving as household tasks became more specialized and gender roles shifted.